(a) A deer depredation hunt shall not be allowed where the number of deer involved numbers less than 25.

(b) Before applying for a depredation hunt the landowner or tenant shall consult with representatives of the department to determine the existence or threat of depredation. All applications shall be in writing, filed with the commission on forms supplied by the department, and shall recite on their face that the applicant grants to the holders of hunting permits free and unrestricted access to, and the use of his lands for the purpose of said hunt.

(c) Two or more landowners, or tenants, whose lands adjoin one another may apply jointly for a deer depredation hunt.

(d) Before a deer depredation hunt is allowed, the landowner or tenant concerned shall sign a statement holding the Department of Fish and Game, their agents, officers, and employees, free and harmless from all claims that may arise from permitees shooting over said area, and from all claims on account of any act or omission on the part of said state, department, or their agents, officers or employees when engaged solely in the discharge of their official duties and functions.

(e) Deer depredation hunts shall be confined to the lands owned or controlled by the applicant.

(f) Hunting permits shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis by employees of the department only, at a time and place to be designated in the order authorizing the hunt.

(g) Applicants for hunting permits shall be 16 years of age or over.

(h) Hunting permits shall be valid only for the area and the period of time designated on the permit.

(i) Shooting time shall be one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

(j) Permits shall not be transferable.

(k) Permittees shall check in at a designated checking station each day before hunting and shall check out at such station each day after hunting is finished.

(l) Permit tag shall be attached to the antlers of antlered deer or to the ear of antlerless deer immediately after killing.

(m) The commission shall designate the methods that may be used for each hunt. In addition to regular methods of take, these may also include 12 gauge shotguns shooting buck shot of size No. 2 or larger, and bows and arrows.

(n) Deer meat held more than 15 days after close of the hunt shall be stamped in accordance with Section 3081 of the Fish and Game Code.

(o) Employees of the department shall not be eligible to purchase hunting permits.

(p) The department may refuse to issue a permit to anyone, may revoke any permit, and may eject the holder from the area for any reason when it appears that the safety or welfare of the area, or that of other permittees, is endangered. Decision of the authorized employee of the department in this respect shall be final.

(q) Prior to the acceptance or issuance of a hunting permit all permittees shall consent in writing to the terms and conditions of these rules and regulations.